Political drama “Farragut North” opens at Oak Ridge Playhouse

Friday

Jan 18, 2013 at 5:05 PMJan 18, 2013 at 5:07 PM

On the heels of the presidential election, Oak Ridge Playhouse presents the gripping backroom political drama, "Farragut North." Though the title of the play references a Metro stop on the Washington, D.C., subway system, the story of a young, ambitious press secretary for a Democratic presidential candidate is set in Iowa just before the statewide caucuses.

by Judy DiGregorio

On the heels of the presidential election, Oak Ridge Playhouse presents the gripping backroom political drama, "Farragut North." Though the title of the play references a Metro stop on the Washington, D.C., subway system, the story of a young, ambitious press secretary for a Democratic presidential candidate is set in Iowa just before the statewide caucuses.

Playwright Beau Willimon's script offers an air of authenticity due to his own career as a young political operative. working on a number of campaigns, including Howard Dean's 2004 presidential bid. The revelatory play exposes the high aim and drive of the political animal and the depths to which it will stoop to win.

"It's a fascinating study on human nature," says Managing Artistic Director Reggie Law, who is helming the production. "It really points out that no matter what your role is in a political campaign, and no matter where you rank, you want to win. And it's not necessarily the election."

Willimon initially struggled to gain backing for the play, but gained attention and opened in New York after Warner Brothers acquired the film rights on the story. It became the inspiration for the George Clooney film “The Ides of March," featuring an all-star cast that included Ryan Gosling, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti.

“Farragut North” opens at 8 p.m. Jan. 25, followed by a performance at 8 p.m. Jan. 26. Performances continue at 8 p.m. Jan. 31, Feb. 1 and 2, with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Feb. 3. Final performances are at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8 and 9 and a final Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Feb. 10. The production contains mature language and situations.

For more information, log on to www.orplayhouse.com or call (865) 482-9999. Tickets range in price from $16 to $22 depending on performance date.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.